Solved: Visio - How to expand a table

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mpdillon

Visio - How to expand a table

I downloaded Visio last night and I made an ERD of a database. Unfortunately, the table information is not visible. Visio placed all the tables on one page. Consequently, they are very small. So small that the table names and field names are not visible. When I click on a table the sides and corners have the typical Windows markers that can usually be used to change the size of the element. However, in Visio my mouse will not let me enlarge these items. The mouse cursor remains in "Move" mode even when I click on a corner.
So I have two questions. How do I enlarge the table representations so that I can see the table names and field names?
And how do I move tables from one page to another? I tried selecting several but CUT was not available from the Right Hand click menu. Copy was but I was afraid a copy would result in two copies of the same table.

Thanks,
pat

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Scott Helmers🇺🇸

The dimensions of the table shapes in the database model are locked to prevent changes by the user. The visual clue in Visio 2010 is that the "handles" at the edges are gray instead of blue: blue means available; gray indicates locked.

However, the width of the table shape does change automatically based on the table name. Is it possible that the Physical name field for your tables is blank? That would account for all of them having the default width with no name displayed. To check, select a table. If the Database Properties window doesn't appear, on the Database tab, in the Show/Hide group, add a checkmark to Database Properties. Then check the Physical name field to see what's there.

Re moving a table to another page: when I right-click a table, I do see "Cut" on the menu. If you're not seeing that can you use the Windows shortcuts Ctrl+X and Ctrl+V ?
Tables.jpg

mpdillon

ASKER

Scott,
I was on a conference call. thanks for your reply.

The Ctrl-X worked great. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what I am doing, I forget the simple stuff.

I believe the tables do have physical names, see below. Other idea?

Scott Helmers🇺🇸

On the Database tab, in the Manage group, click the Display Options button. Do any of those settings turn on the display of the name?

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mpdillon

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I have checked Show Physical Name option on the Relationship tab checked. Under "Names Visible" on diagram., i have the Physical name option checked.
I am sure it is something simple. It is just that this is my first time using Visio.
pat

Scott Helmers🇺🇸

I've used Visio a lot but don't have any experience with the database modeling template -- but don't worry, we'll figure this out!

Can you send your diagram? It would be easier to solve this I think if I can look at the same thing you're seeing. You can either post it by clicking File below, or if you prefer to keep it private, send it to the email address in my EE profile.

mpdillon

ASKER

Scott,
I think I have uncovered a Clue. I downloaded Visio 2010 from my Technet subscription. I installed it on a Windows XP machine at the client location. As I was renaming this file on my Windows 7 machine, I caught a glimpse of the file in the preview pane. I saw file name and field names. I opened the file from Windows explorer. A viewer appeared and it looks like there are field names and table names. Could this be a compatibility issue with Visio 2010 and Windows XP. I think Technet has older versions. I will check later today.
Let me know what you find out.

thanks,
pat
WS.vsd

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Scott Helmers🇺🇸

There aren't any interactions between Visio 2010 and XP (or any other version of Windows) that I've ever heard about, so I don't think that's a factor.

When I open your drawing in Visio 2010 I do see the Table and property names, however, each of the table shapes is the default size so there is bizarre, and not very useful, text wrapping. I found that I can force the database add-in to redraw by doing any of several things. For example, on the Database tab, click the Modeling Preferences button. Don't change anything, just click Cancel and all the table shapes will be resized as appropriate. Many overlap others at their new size and I haven't found a way to automatically rearrange the layout -- but it might be there....

mpdillon

ASKER

Scott,
Thanks for the tip. However, even after clicking on the Modeling Preferences button and clicking Cancel without making changes, I see no effect. Table sizes did not change and Table and Field names were not added. I sitll have a completely blank diagram. I am beginning to think I have a bad install or something.
Let's take a break for now as I cannot devot the time need to do what I want. I am going to install Visio here in my office on a Windows 7 machine, download their database and install it on a SQL Server 2008 R2 instance. Then I will see what happens.

Keep an eye out for a post later. I will post even if I fix the problem so others know.
pat

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Scott Helmers🇺🇸

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mpdillon

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Scott,
I installed Visio on a Windows 7 workstation. Connected across a Workgroup to a Windows 2008 R2 server with SQL 2008 R2 installed. Everything worked great. thank you for your help.
pat

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Visio is a diagramming and vector graphics application that is part of the Microsoft Office family that allows the user to create diagrams for organizational and planning purposes. The Premium edition has additional templates for more advanced diagrams and layouts, as well as capabilities intended to make it easy for users to connect their diagrams to data sources and to display their data graphically, as well as intelligent rules, validation, subprocess (diagram breakdown). one-step connectivity with Excel data, information rights management (IRM) protection for Visio files, modernized shapes for office layout, detailed shapes for site and floor plans, modern shapes for home plans, and IEEE compliant shapes for electrical diagrams.